France’s Barrot, Macron and EU’s Kallas Condemn Israel’s Gaza Plan, Urge Ceasefire, Aid, Two-State Solution

France has strongly condemned Israel's announced plan to expand military operations in the Gaza Strip, describing it as a "conquest" and an unacceptable act. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza, emphasizing France's commitment to a two-state solution as the only viable path to peace and stability in the region. President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as more critical than ever, with populations lacking adequate medical care, food, water, and the ability to evacuate the wounded. The European Union, through its foreign policy chief Josep Borrell Kallas, echoed concerns about the untenable humanitarian situation, urging Israel to immediately resume humanitarian aid and to avoid politicizing assistance.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) accused Israel of using aid as a weapon in Gaza. Several European countries, including Spain, Norway, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Belgium, and Portugal, called for lifting the blockade on Gaza, an immediate ceasefire, and the release of hostages. France plans to officially recognize the State of Palestine during a United Nations international conference it will co-host in June. The collective international response underscores growing alarm over the escalating conflict and the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza.